Water management strategies in Egypt
Water management strategies in Egypt
Water is a precious resource, and its proper management is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is something that the countries of the world – including Egypt – are taking into consideration, especially after temperatures rose above the rate that existed before the industrial revolution, and after the pace of global warming accelerated, in addition to the increased effects ofclimate changes, which made water resources a matter of global concern.
Hence, in this article we will attempt to explore Egypt’s water efforts, shed light on its strategies for managing its water resources, and the extent to which theseEgyptian efforts relate to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local and regional levels.
Egypt is the owner ofThe Great Nile, which is its lifeline, but with the increase in population – significantly – in recent decades, we have become in need of enhancing our water resources. So that we can develop all parts of Egypt, especially its areas far from the Nile River. The government has already implemented ambitious strategies to maximize water use and ensure clean water reaches its population in every inch of Egypt.
Another important aspect of water management strategies in Egypt isimproving irrigation systems, as traditional methods have often been ineffective; Which led to water wastage and soil deterioration, so the government introduced modern irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler systems, while introducing advanced irrigation methods in new agricultural areas.
Water Management Strategy 2050
Climate change poses additional threats to water security in Egypt, especially with rising temperatures as we mentioned before, in addition to changing rainfall patterns. This called on Egypt to invest in water technologies, in order to enhance water conservationand reduce its waste.
Modern agricultural techniques, for example, help optimize water use based on real-time data, ensuring that precious water resources are used more sustainably and efficiently. Hence, Egypt developed an important strategy in this regard, which is “Water Resources Development and Management Strategy until 2050”, which was designed to support Egypt’s steps towards managing all its water potential and resources using sustainable methods and environmentally friendly technologies.
It is a multi-dimensional strategy, and it is in the interest of Egyptian water management in all sectors, through sustainable systems and programs, and through axes revolving around rationalizing water use,and resource sustainability, and creating the appropriate environment to activate integrated management systems in the field of water.
The axes of this water strategy are based on an important matter, which is community participation in supporting water resources, through various sustainable development initiatives. This is why Egypt has launched awareness campaigns and educational programs to encourage responsible use of water. Egypt has also succeeded in implementing projects that help harvestrainwater in urban areas – for example – to increase water supplies and reduce dependence on traditional sources.
All of this – within the framework of the strategy for the development and management of water resources until 2050 – is useful in preserving water and reducing its waste, which is in line with many of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal No. (6):Clean water and sanitation, and Goal No. (12): Responsible consumption and production.
Strategic policies and axes
Regional cooperation is an essential axis of the water resources development and management strategy until 2050, as well as all Egyptian water management strategies. In order to improve relevant regional relations, Egyptian diplomacy and institutions concerned with water affairs sought to build joint bridges between Egypt and the countries of the Nile Basin, through diplomatic precision and constructive cooperation to address all environmental repercussions related to water.
As for the axes of the 2050 strategy, they are axes based on joint efforts between the public and private sectors. The most important of these topics is: working to reuse agricultural wastewater. This is the topic that Hamat Al-Ard magazine addressed with explanation and clarification in its special meeting with Dr. Hani Sweilem,Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.
In order to make the most of agricultural drainage water, Egypt worked to reduce the pollution of this type of water before discharging it into the main canals, and this is through biological techniques, such as wetland technology.
The 2050 strategy was also able to prepare anAtlas of Egypt’s water resources, equipped with a comprehensive water database. With this atlas, ministries and concerned authorities can look at the Egyptian water map and study all potential projects capable of supporting the water sector in all of Egypt.
These were the most important axes and policies of the water resources development and management strategy until 2050. It is one of the water management strategies in which Egypt relied onModernizing agricultural methods, and it is considered a promising strategy, and a positive point worthy of praise! This is in harmony with many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and explains what has been achieved among these goals in the field of water management and its resources.
In summary, water management strategies reflect how Egypt confronts the problems of water scarcity and the effects of climate change. Out of the desire of Egypt – the government and individuals – to support the management of water and its resources in a sustainable manner. This is what Earth Guards tried to highlight; Because water is the locomotive of development and the first engine of industry, and this calls us to pay attention to this matter, as it is one of the dimensions of Egypt’s national security.
